End liquor stores' monopoly on cold beer sales

It was no surprise to read yet another self-serving letter from a liquor store owner arguing for more government protections for his industry.

If Big Red Liquors Chairman Mark McAlister is concerned with selling alcohol responsibly, he should criticize his fellow liquor store owners for faring the worst among all retailers for selling to minors. Indiana State Excise Police "sting" operations have found liquor stores to be nearly twice as likely to sell to minors as drug, grocery and convenience stores.

Perhaps he should also ask his so-called "responsible" colleagues why they use billboards on busy interstates to advertise free in-store tastings to passing motorists, or why a liquor store blocks from a college campus and a high school contains signs urging customers to "Drink Like a Champion Today."

Moving beer displays from shelves to coolers will not cause more societal problems, but it might provide some level of convenience to responsible adults. It also would end the liquor stores' 50-year monopoly on cold beer sales and prevent them from applying a surcharge on their customers just to buy their beer cold. Maybe that's what McAlister is most worried about.

Scot Imus

Executive Director

Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association

Indianapolis

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End liquor stores' monopoly on cold beer sales

It was no surprise to read yet another self-serving letter from a liquor store owner arguing for more government protections for his industry.